We’re still trying to put together the pieces of yesterday but here are a collection of thoughts so far…
– This 2 game losing streak is a lull that the 2010 Patriots did not experience, but I think IF the Patriots can turn this thing around it will serve them well. That said, I am not convinced that they can permanently turn it around at this point.
– I love that the next game is at the Jets. The Patriots are down, will be piled on all week, and now have to go play their hardest game of the season. We will truly find out a lot about this team on Sunday and I’d rather just take everything head on. Win at the Jets and the last two losses won’t seem as horrid as they do right now.
– The strangest thing is that I have actually become more concerned about the offense than I am about the defense. For the defense it’s just a question of can they play consistently how they played for much of the Giants and Cowboys games. But for the offense it looks like the blueprint is out there, and the Pats cannot come up with an answer for it through three straight games.
– Against the Giants the Pats tried to counter the man coverage with more power runs, but they could not establish dominance in the run game like they needed to.
– Brady is now 4 interceptions away from his career high. Shocking.
– I am extremely concerned about Spikes and Guyton’s availability this weekend. And I don’t even like Guyton. But we can’t have Tracy White playing middle linebacker against the Jets. Even if Fletcher were to come back he’s going to be rusty and not ideal to step in and play wire to wire.
– Anyone else starting to think Deion Branch better really elevate his game or else the Pats will let him walk at the end of the season?
– Looks like the Jets are already laying the compliments on the Patriots this week, which is smart. They know they’re going to get a Patriots team that is angry unlike they’ve been in a while.
– The Jets originated this “challenge all the short stuff” defense of the Patriots offense last year in the playoffs so obviously they’re well equipped to do it again. The Patriots must must must find an answer this week.
– I wish Randy Moss was still 2007 Randy Moss but he’s not and that’s why he’s not coming back to the Patriots or any other team.
– Ochocinco was brought in to help defeat the defensive game plans the Patriots are seeing, and him and Brady are still on different pages. I don’t like to lay down ultimatums but it’s pretty much this weekend or never for Nocho-catcho.
More to come after I re-watch the game. If anyone in Gillette finds my heart that was torn out yesterday please let me know.